21 May 1902
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 22 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Pella Chronicle
Location
Pella, Iowa, United States of America
Date
May 21, 1902
Page
1
A Philadelphia medical journal questions Cecil Rhodes sanity citing his plan to founded world unity through a secret millionaire syndicate. It notes a belief that such a nation would possess an insane quality and mentions compass diagrams posted in Japanese sleeping rooms.
Experiments by H Janssen show no poles are needed for stringing telephone and telegraph wires in snow covered regions. When snow is several inches thick it acts as an effective insulator so wires can be laid down directly and used for transmission of messages.
French is established as the official language of the Quebec Legislature City Council and Board of Trade. English speaking members may use their language, but all records must be kept in French reflecting the growing French element in these bodies.
Elections will occur in multiple states as terms expire in March 1903. Senators named include Platt of New York and Connecticut, Jones of Arkansas, Teller of Colorado, Mason of Illinois, Fairbanks of Indiana, Allison of Iowa, Gallinger of New Hampshire, Penrose of Pennsylvania, McLaurin of South Carolina, and Spooner of Wisconsin.
Dr Icard of Marseilles reports a method to tell death from catalepsy using fluorescin injected into veins. A gramme colors 45 000 litres of water. if circulation exists the body turns grass green in two minutes, fading to normal within hours without harm.
Francois Finas of Montmellon France, only about three feet tall, once the smallest soldier in Europe, was deemed incapable of keeping step or carrying the regimental flag leading to his discharge. A health board suspects tuberculosis may be transmitted despite his size.
An old Australian document claims a convict first found gold near Parramatta in 1789. He was immediately charged with stealing a watch and boiling it down, then convicted by a rudimentary court and given 150 lashes. Later, a competent authority reexamined the record and found the convict’s tale convincing.
An Paris advertisement touts air tabloids as portable oxygen for wearers. The copy claims fresh air anywhere from submarines to airships, presenting the device as a practical use of peroxide chemistry under pressure. Public interest rises as sales mount.
A summary of legislative and political items from Congress and the White House. The Senate passed a 200000 relief measure for volcano sufferers and debated the Philippine bill while the House advanced the same relief and a 500000 aid for French West Indies stricken areas. Fortifications and naval appropriations moved forward, a conference on Cuban affairs was settled, and a presidential appointment for Arizona was confirmed. Debate on the Philippines intensified with charges against the army and a homestead act opening a vast Ute tract in Colorado.
A Panhandle railway yard explosion in Sheridan Pennsylvania leaves twenty five dead and between two and three hundred burned. Fire and rescue crews battle the heavy flames as the nation takes stock of the disaster and its terrible toll. The incident dominates the day's grim tally of misfortune across the country with other disturbing items touching politics and crime.
A series of brief notices covers political resignations and appointments. Lewis Nixon steps down as leader of Tammany Hall, while Henry Clay Evans takes oath as consul general in London. Other items include disasters, resignations, and notable deaths across the United States and abroad.
Reports outline 30 000 killed by Mont Pelee eruption and fires at St Pierre, with Haiti in revolution after President Sam’s departure for France. Mindanao praised by Gen. Chaffee as stable for Americans, while British and Canadian actions support relief and intervention efforts in the Caribbean and beyond.
Reports describe Mont Pelee belching hot ash and lava in Martinique, with widespread devastation including vanishing vegetation and potential collapse of nearby islands. St Vincent’s La Soufriere shows renewed activity while bodies in St Pierre are said to have died from noxious gases. Cuban congress names Palm president and Estevez vice president as Sweden workers strike for universal suffrage. London Daily Mail calls Boer peace likely after Vereeninging talks. Kingstown residents fear annihilation from renewed eruption.
Senate action spans two days with the fortifications appropriation bill passing and further discussion of the Philippine measure. House debates naval and Cuban matters while approving an Indian agricultural school bill and a large homestead opening in Colorado. Amidst reports a Wumbert Insurance failure hits Paris and political reshuffles occur in New York and Ohio.
In Newton, Jasper county, coroner's jury finds Lavelleur died by foul means unknown, amid claims by juror that Mrs Lavelleur killed him. Witness Susan Langreen alleges Mrs Lavelleur struck him with an ax at the house, then poured coal oil to burn the body. Lavelleur, a Frenchman, was found burned in a barn with skull injuries. Mrs Lavelleur has been arrested.
Attorney General Mullan ruled that holdings of national state and savings banks cannot be deducted from stock assessments for taxation. The decision aligns with prior authorities and raises about 17,000 dollars in additional taxes, with estimates of several million added to assessed values nationwide. A court challenge will follow.
The Des Moines lodge of the Order of Elks aims to host the national gathering in 1903. With Salt Lake City hosting in August, the Des Moines delegation pledges support to secure the convention. Nearby cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles compete, and Los Angeles offers 50000 for entertainment. About 30000 attendees are expected, bringing in roughly 1.5 million dollars. The Elks plan a new clubhouse and partner with merchants for a state festival from June 23 to 28.
The state fair management will spend about 5000 on a four night fireworks spectacle during August 22 to 30. Pain of Chicago will stage the display which may resemble the Burning of Rome or Manila Bay. The production will be two blocks long and require over a thousand workers. Other amusements and exhibits are planned to surpass prior fairs. Edwin K. Brown of the University of Iowa won 100 in the Northern Oratorical League contest in Chicago for The March of the Constitution. The body of an elderly man found near Dyersville is identified as James Reese of Belmont, a noted contractor. brain trouble and laudanum are suspected in his death.
A Cleveland Plain Dealer excerpt presents a cheeky customs inspector banter as he rummages a passenger’s luggage. He jokingly compliments lace and silk, notes concern over honesty, and asks if the contents are safe to unload, ending with a quip about returning items.
The Iron Mountain Route inaugurated new dining car service on its fast daily trains from St. Louis Memphis and intermediate points to Texas. The cars were built in Pullman shops with electric lighting electric fans and up to date appliances. Meals are served a la carte with Haviland china Libby cut glassware and silverware. The line offers triple daily service between St. Louis and Texas and double daily service between Memphis and Texas with Pullman sleeping cars also equipped with modern amenities.
A Baltimore American article quotes a self-made man claiming he began life as a corn doctor and, after a year, invented a dihdry f gure that made him independently rich. He stresses that starting from the bottom can lead to notable success.
A Chicago Tribune quote shows Tommy dismissing a political meeting speech as bum and joking that his disappointment stemmed from expecting a baseball reference that never came. The exchange highlights light political theater and street commentary from the era.
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